Does My Address Need to Be Where I Live, or Can I Use a Mailing Address?

Short answer: it depends on whether you're setting this up as an Employee or as an Admin — the address means something different for each, and using the wrong one can cause real problems. It is always best practice to use a physical address for both cases.

Here's the breakdown for both.

If you're an Employee

Use the address where you actually live — not a P.O. box, and not a relative's or friend's mailing address, even if that's where you receive mail. During setup, we ask for your home zip code because it determines which state's health insurance marketplace you're shown and which plans you're eligible for.

Health plan availability, networks, and pricing are all tied to where you actually reside — using a different mailing address can show you plans that aren't actually available to you, or that you're not eligible to enroll in.

If you've moved, your address in StretchDollar needs to be updated, since a new state or ZIP code can change which plans you see (and, if your employer uses Smart Rates, your allowance). Starting November 1, you can update it yourself when you start your renewal for next year: the first step asks you to confirm your information, including your home address. Need it changed at another time of year? Email support@stretchdollar.com with your new address and we'll update it. It's also a good idea to let your employer's Admin know.

If you're an Admin (setting up your business account)

This is a different address for a different reason: it's used to verify your business's identity with our payment processing partner, Dwolla, before your account can send or receive funds. For this step:

• It needs to be a physical street address — a P.O. box won't work.
• It should be your registered business address, not a virtual office or a "registered agent" address (common if your business was formed through an online formation service).
• If your business doesn't have its own physical address (for example, you operate remotely), it's fine to use the Admin's home address instead.

This is purely for identity verification and security — we don't share this address or use it for any promotional purposes. See Why do you need a physical address for the Benefits Portal setup? for more detail on the verification side.

Quick reference

Still not sure which applies to you, or have a situation that doesn't fit either case above? Email support@stretchdollar.com and let us know whether you're setting up as an Employee or an Admin, and we'll help you sort it out.